ALSTONVILLE BYPASS FUNDING
Page: 4482
The Hon. JENNIFER GARDINER: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Roads. Can the Minister recall earlier this month Mr Kevin Rudd announced that a Rudd-Gillard Federal Government would spend $90 million to build the Alstonville bypass? Is the Minister aware this is the same project on which former Labor Premier Carr promised to spend $36 million, which included a Federal Government contribution of $12 million, to build the bypass by 2006? How is it that the cost of the project using Mr Rudd's estimate has gone up 400 per cent in just four years from $24 million in 2003 to $90 million in 2007? What does the Minister say about the type of project management that sees a project's estimated cost quadruple in just four years?
The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: While I may well be the Minister for Roads I do not think it is appropriate for me to express an opinion—which is what is sought by the question—about an estimation of the cost of a project. I will point out, however, that there is a huge skill shortage in this country and that is primarily the responsibility of the recently defeated Howard Federal Government. The skill shortage is being experienced particularly in the provision of infrastructure and construction. In addition, the resources boom in Western Australia and Queensland is chewing up many skilled staff.
The Hon. John Della Bosca: Which we are training.
The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: I acknowledge the Minister's interjection as being quite correct. We are trying to address the skill shortage issue, but if Hon. Jennifer Gardiner had any knowledge of the issues in the industry—
The Hon. Duncan Gay: Are you aware that whenever you say that the civil contractors tell me that they think you are a fool?
The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: And that from the genius who was able to organise a brilliant almost 6 per cent swing to Labor in Crookwell at the last Federal election! I understand he was booth captain at Crookwell, where there was a 6 per cent swing.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: Point of explanation. I was not and I will not be booth captain for Alby Shultz!
The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: While we are on the subject of booth captains, the Hon. Melinda Pavey I believe was the booth captain at Coffs Harbour. The Hon. Melinda Pavey, in true Nationals tradition, received an 8.29 per cent swing. As a result I know The Nationals will seek advice from the highest-ranking Nationals public office holder in New South Wales, the mayor of Dubbo, Mr Matthews.
The Government looks forward to working with the Rudd Government. I enjoy the irony of the Opposition now saying that we should work closely with the Federal Government. We begged members opposite to go to the now-defeated Howard-Costello Government to lobby for more Roads funding and a better deal for New South Wales. They refused to do so. Now they must share the responsibility for the defeat of the former Federal Government. The people of New South Wales have judged them first at the State level and now at the Federal level. The performance of a few other booth captains may be of interest to the House. The Hon. Catherine Cusack worked hard in the seat of Page, where a swing of 7.89 per cent was achieved. I believe the Hon. Matthew Mason-Cox was in the electorate of Eden-Monaro.
The Hon. Matthew Mason-Cox: Point of order—
The PRESIDENT: Order! Members who take points of order must address the standing orders and not make debating points. In light of that ruling, the Hon. Matthew Mason-Cox may proceed.
The Hon. Matthew Mason-Cox: My point of order relates to relevance. I ask that the Minister be brought back to the tenor of the question.
The PRESIDENT: Order! The Minister should always be relevant. His time to answer the question, however, has expired.